Saturday, October 24, 2009

Today is cold and rainy! So, today I am starting a new project. I collect old printer letters. I love them, they come in all sizes and they just make me happy. Many of you see me using letters in my art. I love children's blocks too. I am making my husband a table. A project I have wanted to do for some time....you know the ones, I have MANY of them. If I only had more time....ugh!! This will be a small coffee table. My hubby loves these letters too, he is a commercial printer, so he loves the history of letterpresses. So fascinating how they printed, a long lost art for sure. I have already washed and pulled out the inside of an old printer drawer. Here is the top. I didn't wash the letters, some have ink on them. I love the patina they have I didn't want to destroy that, rich browns and blacks. I have to attach the spindles and order a piece of glass....I love when projects get finished, well almost :)

So, I officially stopped running outside, I know I said that last week, but we had three days of good weather this week, so I took advantage. I took some pictures of the flowers on the trail. I also took a picture of a beautiful river cottage house. This quaint little house has great big beautiful urns of flowers and one unusual pet. Her name is Rhonda. She is an African tortouise. She is beautiful. No, I don't live in the desert, but this family has one. She doesn't need water since she is from Africa. They bring out a baby pool once a week and fill it with water.....this is the only time she needs to use the potty. I see her on my daily runs, but for now I will miss her till spring as both of us can not stand the cold weather......brrrr!!Look at the scale of these urns....they are HUGE!! Look in the grass, Rhonda is by the urn closest to the house. She is the size of your car tire...with spikes....lol!

Christmas is quickly approaching and I have an exciting announcement to make soon.....but for now I will give you a look at some new items I am working on....enjoy and have a great weekend! Jolly Santa's on vintage doorknobs they wibble wobble back and forth...so fun and folky!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

It's raining and I didn't run outside today. I hope to make to the treadmill today. I am bummed, but I think I will not be running my lovely river trails until spring. So, I am trying to stay positive. I do love the Fall. Comfy boots, hats and warm and cozy blankets like these........You can find these at Garnet Hill....it's on my Christmas wish list. My husband says I should keep dreaming, and to that I said, "I will and hope it goes on sale a bunch" ;) I also like the scents of fall. Fresh pumpkin pie, warm creamy soups.....(my fav with grilled cheese) and comforting smells of home. My friend Michele has a new candle website. Her great smelling candles will give youre home a inviting scent of any season. GO check them out, you will love them!! I need some soon, I can't wait to see you ;)

Here is my finished "BOO" piece....I have a few inquiries, but these are spoken for, but I will take orders. They were so fun to make, it hard to let them go. Sold! Thank you!

Lastly, The winner to my unmentionable giveaway, is Elaine. I will send your goodie soon. Thanks for all your sweet comments.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Getting things done seems to be my downfall lately. My daughter has pneumonia and it's just been hard to get my daily tasks done, whether it's laundry, cleaning in general or finishing up some art pieces. She has been getting better, but it's been a tough three weeks. Thank goodness our family isn't fussy and we have been doing a lot of soups, hot sandwiches, homemade chicken salads.....and toast. I haven't run in over a week, I hope to go tomorrow. Tomorrow will she will go back to school, she is so anxious and BORED at home. We have done lots of shrinky dinks, reading and doing homework, because I have made weekly trips to keep her caught up. We are off today for Columbus Day, so our house is still in our comfy cozy pj's......it's cold here. So much for that Indian summer. I did score some finds at our local goodwill store. I bought wool sweaters from England, the fisherman's cable ones and I plan to make some pillows. I also found a wool coat, a long mid calf one for me. It's a lovely soft teal. I will snap pictures soon, it's at the cleaners right know.....I cant wait to wear it, plus it was only $7.00.....whooo!!

Here is some wip's. I plan to get some on Etsy, but I am doing a show in couple weeks. It's mostly Christmas, but I have a few Halloween collector's so...they might make the trip. If you are interested, email or comment. Here's a peek......have a great day.

This owl is in an old cheese draw. He has "31" painted on his chest. He also has a paper crepe collar. His cost is 58$ ands that includes his flight to you.....US RESIDENTS ONLY.

I also have two black birds, one with a pumpkin and the other with a festive striped party hat. They have striped wire legs and are on vintage childrens blocks. The one's that were colored blue, red and yellow. I used to play with those blocks for hours making castles. That dates me, I am sure. Cost is $28 for each....that also includes free flights to you! Enjoy!! Lastly, is a trio of Halloweenies....a witch, kitty and ghost. They are on vintage blocks too, which reads "BOO". They are not quite done, some details are missing. The witch and ghost are carrying paper treat bags and all aready for some yummy treats. The cost of this trio is 150$ and that includes their journey to your home. I can email more pics when they are finished, I will be posting them here too.

Thanks for the comments too...I will be drawing a name in a couple days, so if you haven't left a comment be sure too. You will receive a festive halloweenie treat if your name is drawn!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Yes...I am finally back. I have a new computer and I am able to upload photos.....I felt like I was in the dark ages. No, not really. It wasn't that bad, the summer flew by. The kids and I were so busy, the computer didn't miss me much. My neck was happy and I didn't get any kinks...so I was happy too. I have been noodling in blogland though and boy I did miss seeing you all and all your lovely creations. I have been busy too. I am trying to finish up Halloween orders. With all the busy schedules, I have been selling to just a local store. She has kept me very busy, no complaints, but I am trying to get some things posted on Esty soon...I hope!! With all these changes I do feel lost......my kids are growing sooo fast and becoming such great humans. I am amazed at their personalities, I am sure lucky to be apart of their lives.

So, as I was uploading photos from the summer, I gasped at how much time has lapsed....its been awhile and I am so glad I captured some of these amazing moments on camera.....here is one from the zoo......can you feel the roar....it felt like it was so close and it went through your chest.....simply amazing. I love the zoo!I also trained for my first half marathon.....I had so much fun. I had a goal of under two hours....I fell short. I ran it in 2 hours and 5 minutes......my hubby, kiddos and friends encouraged me with such awesome support. I couldn't have done it without you ;) This was something I thought I could have never achieved. The Chicago marathon is this weekend and I wish all my fellow runner friends.....good weather, a great run and an awesome time with friends!!

So, with chill in the air....I am accepting these new changes and letting myself breathe. It's nice to have this outlet and be able to get lost in blogland for a moment.

As summer is officially over, we say goodbye to the lake. We unwilling put away our life vests, ski's, fishing poles and wake boards. We will treasure our memories on the lake and count the days until we meet again.

Huckleberry snoozing under a life vest on the boat.I hope to upload new photos of art soon. I am doing only one gallery show and 1 show this fall/winter. So stay tuned......and if you came back to say "HI" drop me a line.......I will be giving away a Halloween goodie at the end of the week to only those who comment :o Hugs, Jackie

*****disclaimer of sorts*****this will not be the actual piece given away....but it will sure fancy you orange and black delights******thanks for stopping by!!